Saith Toledo Mendez dies in fatal Pico Rivera shooting

Saith Toledo Mendez dies in fatal Pico Rivera shooting

Fatal Pico Rivera shooting death of Saith Toledo Mendez

Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the death of a 13-year-old youth from Costa Mesa, who was killed in a violent incident at a gas station in Pico Rivera. The event occurred on Whittier Boulevard, specifically at the 76 station located in the 8800 block, around 11:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

According to authorities, surveillance footage captured a vehicle pulling up to the gas station, with the driver exiting. Subsequently, an individual also stepped out of the car, and evidence suggests this person was involved in the fatal act. The victim, Saith Toledo Mendez, was walking nearby when he was shot multiple times without any discernible provocation or reason.

Law enforcement officials, including sheriff’s Lieutenant Michael Modica, stated that the shooter, who was among at least two passengers in the vehicle, fled the scene after the incident. Meanwhile, the driver of that same vehicle has been taken into custody on suspicion of being an accessory to the murder. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown at this time.

Saith Toledo Mendez often accompanied his mother to work at the same gas station where he was killed. His identity was confirmed by the medical examiner’s office, and this tragic event has left the community in distress.

This shooting is not isolated, as officials noted that it occurred just two days after another fatal shooting at a Shell gas station on Washington Boulevard on August 21. Surveillance evidence from that earlier incident indicates no connection, and the suspects involved do not match in appearance. Detectives for the Orange County sheriff’s department suspect a confrontation may have occurred in the August 21 case, but the cause of the dispute is still under review.

In both cases, authorities are appealing to the public for information. Anyone with leads can contact the sheriff’s office at 323-890-5500, or anonymous callers can reach Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through their website.